Scleromystax barbatus
(Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) |
f this factsheet ( Nov.2006) had been penned a couple of years ago
in 2004, we would be talking about Corydoras barbatus but
in the callichthyid genus, Scleromystax
was resurrected by taxonomists during an ongoing study of Corydoras,
Aspidoras and Brochis in 2004. The main criteria
for resurrecting the genera was the cheek bristles on the males
of this species, you can just see them below the eye in the green
area of the snout in the image below.
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Scleromystax
barbatus = male
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There are 4 other species in this genera namely S. kronei, S.
lacerdai, S. macropterus, S. prionotos, and the most up to
date species Scleromystax salmacis Britto & Reis, 2005
which is similar to macropterus but but lacks the black
spot common at the base of the tail on this species. The spots along
the flanks of salmacis are also said to be more irregular
than those of macropterus. This species has not been seen
in the hobby as of this factsheet.
Back to our factsheet of the month and how best to keep this large,
in Corydoradinae terms anyway as this species can get upwards to
4 inches in total length, Callichthyidae.
First of all the males can become quite territorial and as such
if keeping more than one male they would have to be housed in a
36ins (90cm) long tank and if one male you can scale it down to
a 24ins (60cm) aquarium.
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Scleromystax
barbatus = female |
Scleromystax barbatus is found in flowing water
in the coastal areas of Southern Brazil on either a sand or pebble
substrate. The temperatures are low in these areas, we are even
talking about temperatures as low as 60°f (16.5°c) here
and as such you would be better keeping this species in an unheated
aquarium
This is of course a most beautiful catfish, especially the males
with their black and gold markings, and when the males are in
breeding condition there are not too many tropical fish of any
species that can hold a candle to the "Bearded Cory".
D 1/7-8; A 1/6-7; 24-27 bony scutes in the upper lateral series,
22-23 in the lower. Body, greatly elongated.
Male: Underside delicate yellowish to white. Blackish
to lovely yellow-brown markings on the flanks, leaving clear two
large golden blotches on the upper side of the caudal peduncle.
Large, gleaming brassy spots on the upper surface of the head and
on the cheeks. Vertical fins with rows of brownish spots.
Female: Body colour dark brown with irregular lighter
blotches, belly cream to white, head dark brown with irregular light
spots and blotches. Some light brown pigment forming light indistinct
baring in all fins.
As with most members of the Callichthyidae
they are peaceful and good additions to the larger
"cool water" aquarium set up with maybe other cool water
fish such as White Cloud Mountain Minnows and other fish that are
comfortable with a temperature around the 70°f (21.5°c)
Will lay up to 60 adhesive eggs high up on the aquarium glass.
Best to have the p.H. on the acid side for breeding as it helps
to break down the membrane and is easier for the fry to exit their
egg cases. Will need feeding after three days as the fry use up
their yolk sac, and can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.
| Sexual
differences |
The males are more ornate and have extended
pectoral fins. The second and third rays of the dorsal fin
are often extended and of course the male has the cheek bristles
that the female doesn't.
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| Feeding |
As with other members of the Corydoradinae they relish tablet and
good quality flake food with frozen bloodworm a firm favourite.
They are also keen on chopped earthworms and other worm foods such
as white worm used sparingly, and grindal worm.
| References |
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=801
Günther; Sterba, Freshwater Fishes of
the World 1, t.f.h. 1973.
Catfish
Study Group; Information Sheet no.52.
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| Photo
Credits |
Top: Allan James
@ 
Bottom: Danny Blundell @ Catfish Study Group |
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| Synonyms:
|
| Callichthys barbatus,
Corydoras kronei, Corydoras eigenmanni. Corydoras barbatus |
| Common
Name: |
| Bearded Cory |
| Family: |
| Callichthyidaem |
| Subfamily: |
| Corydoradinae |
| Distribution: |
| South
America:
Brazil; Coastal
drainages from Rio de Janeiro to Santa Catarina |
| Size: |
| 9cm ( 3½ins) |
| Temp: |
| 19-24°C
(65-75°F) |
| pH.: |
| 6.5 -7.2. |
| Donation: |
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